Public urged to check on elderly neighbours after 25 deaths linked to fires last year

A smoke alarm is 'the most important piece of fire safety equipment for the home', National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management national director Keith Leonard said. Picture: iStock

Fires led to some 25 deaths last year, with chimneys in homes the main cause of domestic fires, according to data from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage.

Of the deaths, 21 involved people aged 55 and over.

In house fires, 1,603 happened in chimneys, with others linked to flues, hot ashes, and soot. Others started in electrical wiring and electrical equipment, cooking, and heating systems.

Fire brigades also found a number of fires had been started with malicious intent, and over 6,000 fires started with burning rubbish outdoors.

Fire brigades attended almost 20,000 fires last year. In addition to homes, they were at industrial sites, forests or grassland, outdoor rubbish sites, as well as 2,086 car fires and 62 fires in ships or aircraft.

The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) uses data shared by council fire services. It found:

• Cork County Council reported 576 fires, including 90 chimney fires, and Cork City Council reported 892, including 108 car fires;
• Kerry County Council reported 345 fires, including 46 in forests or bogs;
• Limerick City and County Council reported 611 fires, including 192 of outdoor rubbish;
• Tipperary County Council responded to 546 fires, including 109 chimney fires;
• Clare County Council reported 262 fires, including 47 in cars;
• Waterford City and County Council reported 485 fires, including 122 in forests or bogs.

One thatched building was destroyed by fire last year, reported by Monaghan County Council.

Leitrim County Council reported the fewest fires (76) while Dublin City Council had the most (9,976).

NDFEM national director Keith Leonard said: “My condolences to the families and friends of people who have lost their lives to fires.”

Older people

Mr Leondard raised concerns about older people and fire risks.

“I would encourage all of us to think of older neighbours and relatives. The next time you are in their homes, check that they have a working smoke alarm,” he said.

A smoke alarm is “the most important piece of fire safety equipment for the home”, he said, adding that there should be one on every level of a home.

He hopes the stark figures “will remind all of us of the need for vigilance and the importance of fire prevention and safety measures”.

He praised the fire crews, saying that they also help to prevent fires.

“Our core message is to fit a working smoke alarm and test it weekly, have your chimney cleaned, and have an escape plan for your household should a fire break out,” he said.

He warned that fires can also happen in commercial buildings just as easily as at home.

“We would like to remind people that the burning of agricultural land or waste is not permitted without approval from your local fire authority,” he added.